Make sure you catch lung cancer early

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer mortality in the UK and affects both men and women. In conjunction with Lung Cancer Awareness Month, this November, health officials at Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent CCG are encouraging locals to be aware of the key symptoms of lung cancer so that it can be treated early.

Lung cancer is one of the most common and deadly types of cancer. According to NHS England, around 44,500 people are diagnosed with lung cancer in the UK each year.

Symptoms of lung cancer include:

a cough that doesn’t go away after two weeks

a long-standing cough that gets worse

persistent chest infections

coughing up blood

an ache or pain when breathing or coughing

persistent breathlessness

persistent tiredness or lack of energy

loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss.

If you have any of these symptoms you should see your GP.

The main causes of lung cancer are smoking, radon and occupational exposure. Smoking, in particular, is responsible for more than 85 per cent of cases of lung cancer.

Dr Mukesh Singh, GP in Staffordshire and Respiratory Lead for the Staffordshire CCGs said: “It’s important that people know what the symptoms of lung cancer are. The earlier we can diagnose someone with lung cancer, the more affective the treatments will be and the better chance they will have at recovering.

“If you present with any of the symptoms of lung cancer, I would advise you to see your GP as soon as possible. Although these symptoms may not mean necessarily you have lung cancer, it is best practice to always have any symptoms checked out by your GP just to be safe.”